The Boyle’d Pot 18/8/’17

Low unemployment is not all good news

Figures published recently on this website show that Boyle has a relatively low level of unemployment compared to other similar size towns. While this can initially be seen as something positive for the town, having low unemployment can hinder attention from state agencies. The figures come at a time when it is reported that the IDA made one visit to County Roscommon in the first quarter of 2017. With low levels of unemployment it is doubtful that Boyle will be on the IDA’s radar or indeed any other state agency that assists areas with high unemployment. But we should use the figures as a marketing tool to get people to live in Boyle. Low unemployment, low levels of crime, a good schooling system, respect and care of the elderly, a most scenic location and holding the title of Ireland’s most enterprising town can all go towards increasing the population of the town.

Heritage Week in Boyle

Next week is national heritage week with a number of events lined up for Boyle. Among the events are: Thomas Higgins: Emigrant to the USA – Boyle Library 19th to 26th Augus, Mighty Moths King House 21st August, Family Nature Walk Pleasure Grounds 21st August, Nature Scavenger Hunt Municipal Office 21st – 25th August, The story and songs of Delia Murphy Boyle Library 23rd August, Dig It – Archaeology for Kids Lough Key Forest Park, Lough Gara Lakes and Legends Tour King House 26th August, Free senior admission to King House 19th to 27th August and a Heritage Farmers Market. More details will be available during the week in the event section of Boyletoday.com.

Boyle Show postponed until next week

The decision late Thursday night to cancel this Sunday’s Boyle Show was not taken lightly by the organisers. In a post on this website’s Facebook page one of the organisers, Aileen Madden said the condition of the field in which the show was to be held along with “impending inclement weather” let to their decision. Aileen also commented that “safety comes first”. It is unfortunate, but we have to accept that the organisers know best and look forward to better conditions for next Sunday.

Battle of the Curlews deserves remembrance

The 418th anniversary of the Battle of the Curlews passed last Tuesday without any mention or notice locally. The Battle was fought on 15th August 1599 in the seventh year of the Nine Years War. Over 500 soldiers were killed in the battle on the top of the mountain. Unfortunately there is little now about this historic event and it is not commemorated in any way in Boyle. There was once a field marker on the spot where the battle ensued but this is no longer visible. While there is much written on the history of Rockingham House, the Battle of the Curlews is as much part of our history and deserves remembrance in some form on the site and in the town. You can read more on the battle here

Extended hours are welcome in Lough Key Forest Park

The extended hours at Lough Key Campsite will be welcome news to tourists and businesses in Boyle with the campsite remaining open this year until the end of September. The weather in recent years has remained good in September and this, added to by the upgrading of the 46 pitches, should entice the tourist to holiday a bit later this year. It would seem that 2017 has been a busy year for Lough Key Forest Park. Visitor numbers are not compiled yet but regulars to the facility will tell of large crowds in the caravan park and using the facilities, especially at weekends. Some of the said visitors are making their way to Boyle but better efforts are needed in the off season to ensure our town benefits further in 2018 from Lough Key Forest Park.

And finally….!

A farmer was helping one of his cows give birth when he noticed his 5-year-old son standing pie-eyed at the fence, soaking in the whole event.
The farmer thought “Great – he’s 5 and I’m gonna have to start explaining the birds and the bees. No need to jump the gun – I’ll just let him ask, and I’ll answer.”
When everything was over, Dad strolled over to his son and said, “Well Willie, do you have any questions?”
“Just one,” gasped the pie-eyed lad.
“How fast was that calf travelling when he hit the cow?”